FOMO (fear of missing out.) This acronym has crept into current vocabulary, especially as it relates to social media. The psychological impact of FOMO; however, predates the internet. Did you ever experience the hurt of being the “only one” not invited to a party? Maybe sickness or personal responsibilities kept you away from an important event.
In David’s day, some of his men experienced this feeling, not in a social situation but in a life-altering scenario. The backstory of 1 Samuel 30:21 is that David and his men came home to Ziklag from battle, only to find their city burned to the ground. Their women and children were kidnapped. After mourning their loss, they set out to avenge this attack and recover their families. After arriving at the brook Besor, two hundred of the men COULD NOT continue. They were simply too exhausted. They were left out of the rescue operation. They would not receive the heroes’ welcome from their wives and children and see, firsthand, the relief on their faces.
The remaining four hundred men battled for their families and won. They turned homeward, stopping at Besor on their way. To add insult to injury, some of the men groused that those who stayed behind could take their families and go, but certainly shouldn’t share in the riches taken by the WINNERS.
David put a resounding halt to this talk. He went even further and ensured that it became a statute in Israel that those who stayed with the equipment were to have a share in any bounty taken. God is mindful of those who fear they’ve missed out. They get to share in the blessings of being a member of the body of Christ. All members, weak or strong, are valued and accepted in the beloved.
By: Nan Robertson
~Christ Fellowship